I grew JWP near Westville Oklahoma, they need to be planted in rapid draining soil and put under 30% shade, and water the daylights out of them- opposite to what you do in Japan. I lost quite a few before I figured it out. Had luck with collected Pinyon Pines and Ponderosa Pines, I also had good luck as did my friend Frank in OKC with Scots Pine. No luck with Mugho..........

I never got flexilis to live in NW Arkansas- could have been me though..... (Stone Pines, etc- all failed). One point, the Virginia Pine might work well in OK, a friend had them doing great in Louisiana and the southern Yellow Pine group does well and can be made into a reasonable bonsai as they bud back well- but might need some winter protection when those really nasty (though infrequent) cold snaps roll through.

yes, though as with all pines you can manage it to be shorter or longer as needed- by bud reduction, fertilizer timing, etc. I would try JWP first, get it some light shade and protect from the really brutal winds. People told me I couldn't raise JWP on their own roots either- they are certainly not as reliable in the hot-central like JBP, but they can do well.. John

I grew JWP near Westville Oklahoma, they need to be planted in rapid draining soil and put under 30% shade, and water the daylights out of them- opposite to what you do in Japan. I lost quite a few before I figured it out. Had luck with collected Pinyon Pines and Ponderosa Pines, I also had good luck as did my friend Frank in OKC with Scots Pine. No luck with Mugho..........

John

Hi John. I just found this old post. What problem did you have with growing Mugo pines in Oklahoma? The summer heat or lack of a sufficient dormancy period in the winter? Thanks!

Thanks! Mine aren't doing well in the heat for sure. I see you knew Frank well. I used to buy from him and I was a member of the same local bonsai club but he has since moved to Kansas. Do you keep up with him? Is he still into bonsai? You can PM me if you would rather.